| Musical Style: Heavy Metal | Produced By: InnerSiege |
| Record Label: No Dust Records | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2021 | Artist Website: InnerSiege |
| Tracks: 11 | Rating: 90% |
| Running Time: 47:07 |
Roxx Records InnerSiege debut Kingdom Of Shadows was one of our favorites from 2012, noting the 85% review in which we describe it as ‘the total package of vocals, musicianship and production’, but we like the Peoria, Illinois based groups spring of 2021 sophomore effort Fury Of Ages better. Attributing to No Dust Records, Fury Of Ages finds InnerSiege maintaining its penchant for a ‘variable heavy metal sound’ in which it specializes in the power, traditional and melodic varieties. Hence, the referencing in the groups press material to early Queensryche, Crimson Glory, Iron Maiden, Dream Evil, Hammerfall, Primal Fear & FireWind is a good indicator of what to expect.
High-end, classic tenor vocalist Jeremy Ray helps lend to the InnerSiege power metal side and allows Sacred Warrior, Recon, Jacobs Dream, Faith Factor and The Sacrificed to be added to the list. Yet, a darker, traditional metal slant to the group reveals moments to hint of eighties era Bride and others of a more melodic nature Rob Rock’s solo material. Whereas I hesitate to label InnerSiege ‘progressive’, you will also encounter an intricate aspect to its songwriting to mirror a technical metal flair ala Deliverance’s Stay Of Execution. Even further diversifying InnerSiege is the use of periodic extreme vocals, albeit not to a fault.
Perhaps it is the continuity of carrying over the same lineup from Kingdom Of Shadows, but InnerSiege makes decided steps and strides musically on Fury Of Ages. If anything, the group takes it to the next level songwriting wise in revealing nine vocal cuts and two instrumentals, one shorter and other full length. Again, Kingdom Of Shadows is a fine album in its own right, but what I hear on Fury Of Ages is a more focused package of songs embodied in stronger melodies and catchier riffs that while taking several listens in which to draw you in, stand out to the greater degree nonetheless.
Well-articulated lyrics reflect the faith of the InnerSiege members, noting how in the albums liner notes Ray credits
‘God’s clear and present blessings’ (which allowed us to complete) this album and release it for you’. Drummer Wade Helm openly thanks ‘Jesus Christ for the countless blessings in my life and for the gift of music’ while other members reference God as well.
Opener “Calling For Violence” is a choice example of the InnerSiege straight on metal sound. It begins to muscular in and out of the mix guitars that sounds as if taken off Bride’s “Fool Me Once” (off Silence Is Madness from 1989), with its remaining distance full throttle ahead in sustaining an audacious focus (extreme vocals periodically decorate the backend) and hooks of an underrated variety (song pulls in and refuses to let go). I particularly enjoy the brief slowdown to classical guitar at the halfway point.
Sustaining the quality but in a slower and blockier form is “Reborn”. The galloping riffs from the start and technical drum patterns bring to mind Rob Rock’s 2005 Holy Hell solo release, as does the darker intricacies maintained throughout the heady verse sections, upheld by catchy guitar rhythms, and concise refrain, to see Ray stretch and reveal the full breadth to his voice. Lyric snippet:
I’ve been betrayed by my lust
My heart is blackened by my sin
An empty shell so hollow
I want to start over again
I willingly surrendered
To those things that bound me
I waited my turn in line
A self inflicted poisoning
As I hide behind this smile, I just want to be reborn
As I suffer in silence, I cry out to be reborn
A melodic metal flair characterizes “FireWind”. Song begins its first minute instrumentally as guitars flow between the left and right channels only to mirror variances moving ahead: plundering guitars set a momentous tone (to explode with speed metal like fury) but at moments notice give way to lighter pigments (as finesse filled harmonies hold sway). Credit Wade Helm for his powerful drum work. Lyric snippet:
Coming down from the Holy mountain
You can’t turn away
There’s no escaping its power or its Holy rage
Standing in awe
As it’s strength overwhelms me
My soul is spreading it’s wings to the sky
Taking me to distant places I’ve never seen
I’ll fly away, I’ll fly away on the FireWind
“Virtuous Iniquity” is a haunting minute and half-instrumental with an atmospheric metal tone reminding me of the opening moments to Deliverance’s “Ramming Speed” (off Stay Of Execution).
Ensuing is one of albums showcase tracks in “Echoes Into Eternity”. I hear a slight thrash resonance offset by decided epic overtures, revealed in moments of a fast paced mercurial form and others pointing towards a technical groundwork but not to the point of crossing the progressive threshold. Hence, manner in which I indentify with “Echoes Into Eternity” as the InnerSiege take on the European power metal genre.
“World Of Darkness” pummels out of the gate slow and steady - borderline doom-ish if you will - until building to an explosion of boisterous angst. With Ravn Furjford’s impetuous bass leading the way, song gradually gains impulse through its paramount verse sections on the way to the propulsive, double bass driven refrain. I can see Impellitteri doing something along these lines. Lyric snippet:
How did this all begin?
Was there an evil plan?
Or did we bring this on ourselves with our sins?
The shroud of deceit has fallen
The world is not aware
They sacrifice the righteous
And no one seems to care
Degradation of all we hold dear
Nothing is sacred in a world of darkness
“Power. Metal. Glory” is albums lone misstep. Perhaps it is the cliché-ridden title - do we need yet another metal song drawing upon ‘power’ and ‘glory’ themes? - or corny lyrics – ‘the long hair, the denim, the patches, switchblades, chains and leather’ - but I tend to pass. Musically, it is far from bad and owns solid hooks, although I can do without the continuous shouted backing vocals, but it is difficult to see beyond the trite and overused concepts. InnerSiege are capable of better.
As it ably demonstrates on follow up instrumental “Iron Lotus”, which finds the group putting on a literal clinic of melodic harmonies and curtly woven riffs interlaced with intense soloing. As one might imagine, “Iron Lotus” finds talented guitarists J.L. Prater and Kevin Grose putting their abilities on full display. I take equally to the mid-point bass solo, brief as it is.
“Stronghold” represents another choice cut. It reveals an even balance of mid-paced melodic sensibilities - I love how refrain pays tribute to albums title - and astute heaviness, revealed in darker sentiments hinting of Jacobs Dream (sort of like the Drama of Ages title track, groups fourth album from 2005). It deserves mention the emotional tincture to Ray’s voice, whom throughout the album does a choice job staying within high-end territory without any high-pitched distractions. Lyric snippet:
We must defend the throne
We’re losing our sacred home
How many times, how many nights must we bleed
Rise up and fight, wake from your sleep
With the fury of ages
We have been given command
With our God before us, our brothers beside us
We prepare for war
We will tear all the strongholds down
Till only ruins can be found
“Hero” is first of two strong closing songs. I identify with it as a subtle metal semi ballad, opening to a plodding instrumental stretch prior to sleekly transitioning to its smooth verse sections to see melodic bass hold sway and soaring refrain in which impetus picks up exponentially. This one explores the melodic side to InnerSiege. Lyric snippet:
We need someone to look up to
Bigger than ourselves
To come to the rescue
When there is no one else
When things are going wrong
When we have crossed the line
To raise us from the ashes
To save us just in time
We need a hero, come and save us from ourselves
We need a hero, all our paths lead straight to hell
Cruncher “World On Fire” takes a straightforward metal approach, no-nonsense with its chunky guitars to set a mauling tone but also not simplistic in light of the sophisticated melody prevailing over the hook driven scene. Lead guitar takes a bluesy tone. Lyric snippet:
With two solid albums under its belt, InnerSiege represents a force to be reckoned within metal circles, whether power, traditional or melodic. Fury Of Ages finds the group hitting its stride with an overall strong selection of songs and solid performance in areas of lead vocals and musicianship. Able production and packaging allows further value. With exception of one potential skip button, nothing constructive to offer except I would have liked to see the group to explore its progressive side to deliver and epic in the eight to nine minute range or record a cover of any of the bands referenced here. Overall, I anticipate even bigger things from InnerSiege- let’s hope it is not another nine years until we hear from them again!
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Calling For Violence” (4:39), “Reborn” (4:24), “FireWind” (5:35), “Virtuous Iniquity” (1:37), “Echoes Into Eternity” (4:51), “World Of Darkness” (3:56), “Power. Metal. Glory” (4:43), “Iron Lotus” (4:34), “Stronghold” (4:25), “Hero” (4:34), “World On Fire” (3:50)
Musicians
Jeremy Ray - Lead Vocals
Kevin Grose - Guitars
J.L. Prater - Guitars
Ravn Furfjord - Bass
Wade Helm - Drums
